The Barmy Army provided a lively atmosphere

It was the result and only result that would give us the pass mark for the year.

Perhaps it was the sub-standard nature of things during the series that provided the catalyst for some of the most outstanding performances.

Matthew Hoggard's swing bowling exhibition at Christchurch was made possible by the greenest pitch ever.

Nasser Hussain and Graham Thorpe's match-winning batting at Jade Stadium was made possible by some substandard fielding.

Brilliant innings

Then there was Nathan Astle's history-making batting assault in the same game, triggered by his teammates' poor performance on the three previous days,

Finally, there was the Kiwi assault late on the fourth day (or rather night) that set up the victory at Auckland, helped by a controversial decision to allow play to continue well past Nasser's bed time.

It all combined to leave people happy but also scratching their heads as to what they had just witnessed over the last month of test cricket.

Andy Caddick bowled superbly for England

Was it just like Australia - another boring drawn series? Or was it just another example of the unique drama that is Test cricket?

For me personally it was the most challenging cricket I have ever played. I have never been so tested by a bowling attack.

It is true that conditions were generally not in favour of the top three batsmen on either side, but the consistency in line and length of this English attack was second to none (and that includes the Aussies).

I'd like to finish by thanking Andy Caddick. Trying to keep him out was my biggest challenge to date and an experience I feel has improved me dramatically as a Test match opening batman.

Goodbye green and seaming wickets - now it's off to Pakistan to say hello to turn and reverse swing.